For many families in Leyte, raising pigs is more than a livelihood. It helps put food on the table, pay school expenses, and provide a source of income during difficult times. When African Swine Fever (ASF) reached Leyte, the effects were felt not only by pig raisers but also by the communities that depend on the swine industry. 

As the university officially launched its 2026 Nutrition Month celebration, VSU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing food security and nutrition by empowering communities to make healthier, more sustainable food choices while protecting the natural resources that sustain life. Anchored on the National Nutrition Council's (NNC) sub-theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!,” the celebration reinforces the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028, recognizing that achieving Zero Hunger requires collective action to safeguard both people and the environment.

Every year, many cacao farmers lose a large part of their harvest because of black pod disease, one of the most destructive diseases affecting cacao farms. Once the infection spreads, entire pods rot, harvests decrease, and farmers lose both time and income.